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Woman killed, boy injured in tragic jet ski accident

A woman has died and an eight-year-old boy is in hospital after the jet ski they were riding collided with a boat on the New South Wales mid-north coast.

Danni Taylor was killed instantly just metres from her home in Nerong, leaving the close-knit community mourning.

Ms Taylor had launched the ski on the river just after 5:30pm yesterday, and had invited a family friend along for the ride.

The pair were rounding a bend when the collision occurred.

Ms Taylor was killed instantly, and her young passenger was taken to hospital with a broken leg.

The jet ski was pulled from the river after the crash by police. Photo: 7 News
The jet ski was pulled from the river after the crash by police. Photo: 7 News

The 46-year-old skipper of the boat, who was with family and friends celebrating a birthday, was also taken to hospital.

Ms Taylor’s distraught family and friends watched on as her damaged jetski was pulled from the water.

Neighbour David Hirtes told 7 News her family were devastated by the news.

"Husband over there is very distraught, we done our best to comfort the husband," Mr Hirtes said.

"They're very, very confident people on the water and that it's just a tragic accident which the police have now got to work out what caused it," he added.

Detectives are now investigating how the crash happened.

Police are investigating how the crash occurred. Photo: 7 News
Police are investigating how the crash occurred. Photo: 7 News

Only hours before the crash, police had launched a major summer safety campaign, urging all on the water to take care and saying one fatality this season was too many.

Acting Inspector Troy Kauter said people need to be aware of their surroundings on the water.

"It's a timely reminder just for people to keep an eye out, there will be a lot of people out on the water and it can be a dangerous place," he said at a press conference after the accident.

Police have spoken to those who witnessed the crash but have said it is too early to know for certain who was responsible.

The boat and the jet ski have been seized for forensic examination as investigators continue their work.